Jessi Andricks is a yoga and mind-body fitness teacher in Charleston, SC. She teaches a blend of vinyasa, as well as mind-body fitness classes. Jessi is a certified Green Living Expert and is receiving training in Holistic Health Coaching. She hopes to help people learn to live vibrant, healthy lives through holistic lifestyle habits. Jessi can be found blogging at thehouseofhealthy.com.
Chic Vegan: How long have you been a vegan?
I have been a vegan for about a year and a half. Before that, I was vegetarian, but I still consumed the occasional piece of fish, eggs, and sometimes dairy. After reading a little more into the topic and watching several documentaries, my husband and I made the switch to all-out vegan.
Chic Vegan: Who or what inspired you to make the change to a vegan lifestyle?
I was inspired to become vegan from many different sources and people. One was Kris Carr and her book Crazy Sexy Diet. It not only touches on factory farming and animals, but it really opened my eyes to a pH-balanced diet and how meat and dairy of ALL kinds can increase the acidity in your body and lead to disease. Many documentaries, such as Forks Over Knives; Fat, Sick, & Nearly Dead; and Food Inc. also helped in making the decision.
Another main inspiration was my own body. I stopped being able to digest cow’s milk and lactose. This really started a diet overhaul that has led me to where I am today, about 8 years later.
Chic Vegan: If you could give someone who’s thinking of going vegan advice, what would you say?
Take baby steps. You don’t have to do it all in one day. Start with small changes that will lead to lasting, bigger changes. One of the best things to do is start taking more vitamins, learn how to incorporate more veggies and high-nutrient foods into your diet, and find ways to make your non-vegan favorites in a fun and tasty vegan way.
Chic Vegan: Let’s talk beauty. What’s your favorite cruelty-free product?
My favorite cruelty-free products are the Whole Foods beauty line of lotions, shampoos, and conditioners, and Physician’s Formula make-up. Both lines are all simple, affordable, and cruelty-free. I also love Jason Naturals Tea Tree Deodorant and Alba Botanica Sunscreen in Green Tea or Lavender.
Chic Vegan: Where are the best vegan bargains?
I am a bargainista! I go to Whole Foods for the store brand beauty line. I absolutely love Alba Botanica Sunscreen, which I usually buy from Target. I tend to go to the specialty store, find the product I want to try, and then do some research to see where I can find it cheaper if I really love it. As far as food, I shop at farmers markets and I even get a lot of vegan and organic foods at Costco to save a TON of cash…which I can spend on more vegan goodies!
